Lavrov's Diminished Role in Moscow's Foreign Policy
Sergey Lavrov’s recent absence from the Security Council meeting and his removal as head of Russia’s delegations to the G20 and ASEAN summits indicate a clear shift in Kremlin power dynamics. Once a central figure in Moscow’s foreign policy, Lavrov now seems sidelined as President Vladimir Putin tightens control over diplomatic decisions.
Unprecedented Absence from Security Council
For the first time in decades, Lavrov did not attend a Security Council session chaired by Putin. This absence was officially described as “coordinated”, but the concurrent transfer of his responsibilities to Maxim Oreshkin and Alexey Overchuk—both presidential administration technocrats—points to more than routine changes.
Reduced Independence of Foreign Ministry
The Kremlin appears to be consolidating power over international representation, limiting the foreign ministry’s autonomy in shaping Russia’s external narratives. This shift is marked by delegating key diplomatic roles to figures closer to the presidential administration.
Factors Behind Lavrov’s Decline
- Cancellation of a planned meeting between Putin and US President Donald Trump in Budapest.
- A tense exchange between Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- A Russian memorandum on Ukraine seen in Washington as “maximalist”.
These events caused frustration within the Kremlin, with some insiders blaming Lavrov for mishandling the situation or even undermining Putin’s diplomatic agenda.
“In Moscow’s power vertical, mistakes are rarely forgiven.”
Once viewed as a firm and unshakeable figure, Lavrov now risks the isolation similar to that which preceded the fall of former Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.
Author's Summary
Lavrov’s marginalization symbolizes President Putin’s tighter control over diplomacy, reflecting a power shift that limits the foreign ministry’s independence and sidelines once-key figures.